🛣Icefields Parkway Update

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Bow Valley students are heading back to class this week. Good luck to the parents relearning long division.  We’re all in this together.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• More details emerge regarding the death at Barrier Lake

• Warnings about potentially very aggressive elk

• Ha Ling Trail and climbing routes close 

P.S. Shoutout to Karen Thomas for referring so many new subscribers to Bow Valley Insider! Karen has called the Bow Valley home since 1983, founded Banff Physical Therapy Clinic, and loves the community spirit here. Thank you, Karen, for your incredible support! 🌟

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

SINGLE MOM DIES AT BARRIER LAKE

We’ve been following the tragic story of a woman who died suddenly at Barrier Lake last month. It has come to a sad conclusion.

What’s happening? Single mom Pei Geng, 52, passed away while at Barrier Lake. She got stuck in debris and mud while wading and fell backward. Despite her friend’s attempts to rescue her and perform CPR, Pei died on the shore. RCMP is investigating her death as a drowning and is seeking photos or witnesses from July 13th.

Family Impact: Pei was the sole provider for her mother and son. Her friend Yusang Ye has noted the hardship, especially for Pei’s young son, who had to break the news to his grandmother due to language barriers. The community is rallying to ease their burden.

Support Efforts: A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $14,000 to help with immediate needs like funeral costs, legal fees, and day-to-day expenses. This support is crucial for Pei’s mother, who’s now learning to navigate new challenges while caring for her grandson.

Community Tribute: Pei was admired for her love of nature and her positive spirit. Her passing has left a significant void in her family and community, but the outpouring of support is making a difference during this difficult time.

THE DIGEST

• 🛣Good news for travelers! The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) has reopened after last month’s wildfire. Parks Canada confirmed it’s open as of 7 a.m. last Friday. You can drive through, but can’t stop. Also, cell phone coverage is spotty here. No word yet on when amenities will reopen.

• 🏊Heads up! Starting today, the entire aquatics center in Canmore will be closed for its annual maintenance to keep it in top shape. This means changeroom access might be a bit tricky. Splash memberships will be automatically paused, and Go Beyond members can request a temporary hold. Reopening timelines are posted here.

• 🏫Public school kids at Elizabeth Rummel, Lawrence Grassi, Canmore Collegiate, Exshaw School, Banff Elementary, and Banff Community High are back in class today, as is Alpenglow. Catholic school students at Our Lady of the Snows and École Notre-Dame des Monts will return on Wednesday. Morley School is back to class on September 3.

• 🖤This summer, RCMP reported three hiker deaths and two injuries in Alberta. Michelle Faerden of Kananaskis Outfitters warns that knowing your trail and being prepared is crucial. To stay safe, wear sturdy shoes, bring essentials like a first aid kit and bear spray, stay hydrated, choose suitable trails, and make noise to avoid wildlife encounters.

• 📞TELUS is removing the payphone on Smith-Dorrien Highway near Spray Lakes before early September. But don’t worry, a free community phone will replace it. This new phone will offer emergency services, including 911 and free calls within Alberta, until wireless coverage improves. TELUS is replacing it due to declining usage. 

WILDLIFE GONE WILD

Attention hikers! Parks Canada has issued a series of warnings due to increased wildlife activity in popular trails.

Elk Rutting Season: Elk rutting season is in full swing and will last until mid-October. During this time, bull elk become very aggressive as they protect their harems. Keep at least 30 meters away from all elk and avoid parking between males and females to prevent aggressive encounters.

Aggressive Grizzlies: Several grizzly bears have been spotted acting defensively and aggressively. They’re particularly active because of seasonal food searches. Be extra cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Affected Areas: The bear warning applies to Johnston Creek trails, Three Sisters Campground,  Heart Creek Trail, and McGillivray Bunker Trail. Be vigilant in these areas as bears may be encountered at any time.

Safety Tips:

• Hike in Groups: Travel in groups of four or more.

• Clean Up: Keep all food and garbage properly stored.

• Make Noise: Announce your presence.

• Carry Bear Spray: Ensure bear spray is readily accessible.

For any bear or elk sightings, report them immediately to Parks Canada at 403-762-1470.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Interested in conversations about Canadian residency, visas and work permits? Foreign Workers Bow Valley is hosting a free online information session August 26, 11 AM- 1 PM. Online. Registration required.

• Enjoy no expectations golf, networking, cocktails and some prizes. Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Ungolfed event August 26 at 2 PM. Canmore Golf and Curling Club. $100

• Have a drink in a safe space. Beers for Queers is August 26, 5- 8 PM. Maclab Bistro, Banff Centre, Banff.

• Play some pickleball. Check out this paddle sport on August 26, 6:30- 8 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free for Banff residents.

• Check out a game of murder, intrigue, deception, and deduction. Blood on the Clocktower meets August 26 at 7 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff. Free.

Tuesday

• Listen to some stories and songs with your little one. Check out Baby Storytime August 27, 10:30- 11 Am. Banff Public Library, Banff. Free.

• The Bow Valley is serious about bingo! Play a few rounds August 27 at 6:30 PM. The Legion, Exshaw.

• Show off your trivia smarts! August 27 is Trivia Tuesday, starting at 7 PM. Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Talk about grief in a sharing space. The Showing Up for Grief Community Workshop is August 27, 7-9 PM. Ralph Conner Memorial United Church, Canmore.
  

• Rackets up for badminton! Come play with others August 27, 6:30- 8 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free for Banff residents.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚧Ha Ling Trail and Climbing Routes will be closed September 3 - October 15 for construction.

• ✍🏻Parks Canada wants your input on the Lake Minnewanka Area Plan! Share your thoughts online at letstalkmountainparks.ca by October 25.

• 🤩Even with the crowds, the Canadian Rockies are always worth the hype, according to a new Buzzfeed article! They never disappoint!

• 🪶This weekend: the Nakoda Classic Pow Wow at Goodstoney Arena! Everyone’s welcome—don’t miss out!

• 🎫The Canmore Legion has lots going on! They’re selling 50/50 tickets with a $1500 jackpot, and the snowball bingo pot is over $2000. They also need volunteers for various tasks. Mention you heard it from us when you email [email protected].

• 🎉Don’t miss Happy Hour at The Yard! Every day from 12pm to 1pm, enjoy 50% off all menu items, like poutine, hot dogs, and jalapeño poppers.

• 🌈Canmore Pride is back with fun events for everyone! Come join the celebration!

• 📌Save the date September 6! Join Gayatri Jyoti and Hugo Lopes for a Yoga Nidra & Shamanic Sound Healing Experience with Man Aligned.

• 🚉As summer wraps up, ROAM public transit wants to hear your thoughts on the summer service experience.

• ✅ Canmore’s fall recreation and community program registration opens September 4 at 7:00am. Check out the catalog now!
  

CIVIC NEWS

• Big news in Banff today! The Council will vote to repeal the Pedestrian Zone. The meeting happens at 2:00 p.m. on August 26, 2024, at Banff Town Hall and on Zoom. You can join in person or catch the live stream online. Don’t miss it!

• Let’s keep our community clean! Don’t dump large household items or construction debris in residential bins. Dispose of construction and renovation materials at the Francis Cooke Resource Recovery Centre Landfill, or you could be fined up to $1,000. If you see illegal dumping, you can report it to Municipal Enforcement at 403-678-4244.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27, 6:30- 8:30 PM: Check out singer songwriter Steph O’Dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Monday, August 26, 10 PM: Karaoke night in Canmore! Location: Drake Pub, Canmore.

• Monday, August 26, 10 PM: Get down with DJ 86EGO & DJ Corn. Location: High Rollers, Banff.

• Tuesday, August 27, 4 PM: Audio Recording Engineer Practicum Open House. Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Building, Banff Centre, Banff.

• Tuesday, August 27, 10 AM- 2 PM: Karaoke night with Andrew Staygold. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.

SPORTS

• Unfortunately, there was another tragic incident in the Bow River this month involving a tangled ankle leash. The Alberta Whitewater Association has released a new animated video on SUP safety—definitely check it out if you’re into stand-up paddleboarding.

• The Rundle Women’s Hockey League is on the lookout for referees for the new season! If you’re interested, shoot an email to [email protected] for all the details.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, same time, same place!